Towards Robust Open Multi-Agent Systems: Domain-Independent Exception Handling Services

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal addresses one simple question: how can we develop effective multi-agent systems out of the exception-prone (buggy, malicious, or simply "dumb") agents and infrastructures we can expect to encounter in open system contexts? This problem will be addressed by developing technologies that can determine, at run time, what exceptions can occur, as well as what exception detection and resolution strategies are appropriate, for a dynamically changing agent population and system environment. This work will build on two key ideas: (1) it is possible to identify highly reusable domain-independent exception handling expertise, and (2) this expertise can be instantiated in the form of distinct exception handling services that outsource exception handling from the agents, requiring only that they adhere to some relatively simple guidelines. The potential impact of this work will include (1) enabling the creation of multi-agent systems that can function effectively in open contexts, while (2) reducing the burden on agent developers by obviating the need to create agents with sophisticated exception handling capabilities.